Loxus Eclat V8

[Nickp1]

Wasn't happy with the downpipes I'd made from the manifolds, too skinny at 1.75". General concensus is 2 - 2.25" is ideal, so I've redone it all in 2" and I'm much happier with them. Also took a bit of time to port out the std manifolds, taking out the sharp edges. Might not make much difference but every little helps 😉

[Nickp1]

Got the Y-pipe made to join the manifolds to the 2.5" system 😎

[Nickp1]

Bit of fake wood to match the rest of the interior, I reckon it's kinda cool 🤔😎

 

[Nickp1]

And with the power on.....

 

[Nickp1]

There's been a fair amount of progress over the last couple of months as there's been little elese to do tbh 🙄

The heater box has been removed and refurbed. Fans were freed off and I fitted a Mk1 Granada heater matrix. This wasn't a straight swap, but it went in with a bit of 'wittling' and cost £40 instead of £200.😀

It now has gears too via a shortened / modified BMW E36 linkage.

The manifolds are now fully welded and reinstalled too.

I'm plodding along with the electrics and have installed an additional fuse box in the engine bay for the pop up headlights, electric seat, radiator fan and feeds to the new headlight relays.

 

All this has led up to a major milestone in the project, it now RUNS!! 😃

Fired up first turn of the key and sounds amazing!! 😎

Cooling system is now fimished but still need to make the rest of the exhaust system and configure the engine sensors before I can run it up to temperature.

[black eclat]

Fantastic!!!

[USAndretti42]

Major milestone achieved there.  You must be pleased.

[Nickp1]

Back on it's wheels now and moved under it's own steam for the first time in a very long time. Only a few inches back and forth just to test the clutch engagement 😃

 

[soldave]

Awesome. Love reading builds like this and seeing the rewards coming from all the blood, sweat, tears, and pounds.

[EXCEL V8]

Me too!  😀

Pete

[Nickp1]

Dash refitted and new steering wheel tried for size...........

[Nickp1]

Just realised I haven't updated this thread for nearly a year now 😳

The car is MOT'd and in regular(ish) use. It even survived a track day at Blyton last year 😎

It's been dyno'd too and made just over 330bhp 😳 So yes, it is QUICK!!

Once I've got everything else spot on I'll get it painted, Lemon Yellow is favourite at the moment 😉

 

[dmottram]

It looks fantastic as it is. It must be a hoot to drive, well done I say.

[black eclat]

330bhp. That is a nice upgrade alright.

[Doc711]

Hey Nick, congratulations on your build. I have been toying with the idea of a v8 conversion in my Excel, in part because Australia isn't exactly the easiest place to get parts for the excel and secondly I just want to!! Now that you are able to drive it, are you happy with your decision to go the Lexus route or with the benefit of hindsight would you have chosen a different v8? I'd love to get your opinion.....Kemal

[Nickp1]

9 hours ago, Doc711 said:

Hey Nick, congratulations on your build. I have been toying with the idea of a v8 conversion in my Excel, in part because Australia isn't exactly the easiest place to get parts for the excel and secondly I just want to!! Now that you are able to drive it, are you happy with your decision to go the Lexus route or with the benefit of hindsight would you have chosen a different v8? I'd love to get your opinion.....Kemal

Hi Kemal,

The Lexus was the only V8 I considered due to its popularity for conversions which meant it has great parts availability. I did consider a V6 Jag but went the whole hog and plumped for a V8. The later/larger 4.3 3UZ is a no brainer over the earlier 4.0 1UZ and should be easily sourced in Oz. You'll want a rear sump setup, Soarer exhaust manifolds and a 5spd (Getrag 260) forom a BMW E30 with its overdive 5th gear. The front crossmember will likely need modifying to get the engine low enough and it position will be dictated by the steering rack and the propshaft hole in the chassis. If I were to do this again I'd definitely start with an Excel rather than an Eclat as I reckon it'd be much easier with its Toyota links.

Cheers,

Nick

[Doc711]

2 hours ago, Nickp1 said:

Hi Kemal,

The Lexus was the only V8 I considered due to its popularity for conversions which meant it has great parts availability. I did consider a V6 Jag but went the whole hog and plumped for a V8. The later/larger 4.3 3UZ is a no brainer over the earlier 4.0 1UZ and should be easily sourced in Oz. You'll want a rear sump setup, Soarer exhaust manifolds and a 5spd (Getrag 260) forom a BMW E30 with its overdive 5th gear. The front crossmember will likely need modifying to get the engine low enough and it position will be dictated by the steering rack and the propshaft hole in the chassis. If I were to do this again I'd definitely start with an Excel rather than an Eclat as I reckon it'd be much easier with its Toyota links.

Cheers,

Nick

Thanks for he reply Nick. I'll let you know which way I go.